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Fully Funded PhD in Trustworthy and Resilient Automotive Cybersecurity – Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden

PhD position

9/13/2026

Position: Doctoral Student in Trustworthy and Resilient Automotive Cybersecurity
Department: Computer Science and Engineering
University: Chalmers University of Technology
Location: Gothenburg, Sweden
Funding: Fully funded/salaried PhD position (Swedish doctoral employment; advertised salary approx. 34,550 SEK/month)

Position Overview

Chalmers University of Technology is recruiting a Doctoral Student in Trustworthy and Resilient Automotive Cybersecurity within the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. This is a fully funded, salaried Swedish PhD position focused on advancing cybersecurity capabilities for connected and autonomous vehicles.

The doctoral project will be conducted in close collaboration with industry and is linked to the Vinnova-funded MAGIC project, which focuses on forensic readiness and evidence handling in future vehicle systems.

Research Context: Automotive Cybersecurity and the MAGIC Project

Cybersecurity is increasingly recognized as a key enabler for connected and autonomous vehicles. Current automotive regulations and standards require manufacturers to implement robust processes for:

  • Threat detection and monitoring

  • Incident response and recovery

  • Analysis of cyberattacks and forensic investigation

  • Security-by-design throughout the vehicle lifecycle

Advancing these capabilities is essential both for regulatory compliance (e.g., UN R155, ISO/SAE 21434) and the security of future vehicle systems.

MAGIC Project: This doctoral position is part of the Vinnova-funded MAGIC project, which brings together academic researchers and industry partners to develop methods and tools for forensic readiness, evidence handling, and cyber-resilience in next-generation automotive systems.

Project Description

This doctoral project will focus on developing trustworthy and resilient cybersecurity solutions for automotive systems, with an emphasis on:

  • Threat detection and incident response in connected and autonomous vehicles

  • Forensic readiness and evidence collection for post-incident analysis

  • Resilience mechanisms to maintain safe vehicle operation under cyberattack

  • AI and data-driven methods for anomaly detection and attack classification

  • Security testing and validation through simulation, testing, and fault injection

The project will combine theoretical research with practical validation in collaboration with automotive industry partners, leveraging real-world data and testbeds.

Duties and Responsibilities

As a doctoral student at Chalmers, you will primarily devote your time to graduate education and research. Other departmental duties (up to 20%, including teaching, administration, and industry collaboration) may also be included.

Specific responsibilities:

  • Conduct original research in automotive cybersecurity, threat detection, and forensic readiness

  • Develop novel algorithms, frameworks, or tools for incident detection and response

  • Design and implement simulation, testing, and fault injection experiments to validate security measures

  • Collaborate closely with industry partners within the MAGIC project network

  • Publish research findings in top-tier international conferences and journals (e.g., IEEE S&P, USENIX Security, CCS, RAID, ACSAC)

  • Participate in doctoral courses, seminars, and training activities

  • Contribute to research proposal writing and project reporting


Eligibility Requirements

General Entry Requirements for Doctoral Studies

To meet the general entry requirements, you must:

  • Hold a Master's (second-cycle) degree in computer science, computer engineering, cybersecurity, electrical engineering, or a closely related field, OR

  • Have completed at least 240 credits in higher education, with at least 60 credits at Master's level including an independent project worth at least 15 credits, OR

  • Have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way

Additional Qualifications

You should also have:

  • Strong academic performance in previous studies

  • Solid background in cybersecurity, computer networks, or software engineering

  • Good programming skills (e.g., Python, C/C++, Java, or similar)

  • Experience with cybersecurity tools and methodologies (e.g., penetration testing, malware analysis, network monitoring) is highly meritorious

  • High-quality MSc thesis (or equivalent) or other independent written work demonstrating research and analytical abilities

  • Excellent written and oral communication skills in English

  • Personal characteristics such as creativity, analytical thinking, and a structured approach to problem-solving

Merit Factors

Additional merit is given for:

  • Knowledge and experience in automotive cybersecurity, embedded systems, or IoT security

  • Familiarity with automotive standards such as ISO/SAE 21434, UN R155, or AUTOSAR

  • Experience with AI/ML for security, anomaly detection, or threat intelligence

  • Publications in international cybersecurity conferences or journals

  • Industrial experience in cybersecurity, automotive systems, or related sectors

  • Collaborative ability and experience working in interdisciplinary teams with industry partners

Funding and Benefits

This is a fully funded Swedish doctoral position with the following benefits:

  • Salary: Advertised salary approximately 34,550 SEK per month (gross, before tax)

  • Employment type: Full-time salaried employment (100%) under Swedish doctoral employment regulations

  • Duration: Typically 4–5 years, depending on teaching and other departmental duties

  • Social benefits: Comprehensive Swedish employment benefits including pension contributions, paid vacation, parental leave, and health insurance

  • Research environment: Access to state-of-the-art cybersecurity laboratories, automotive testbeds, and high-performance computing resources

  • Industry collaboration: Close interaction with automotive industry partners through the MAGIC project

  • International exposure: Opportunities for research visits, conference travel, and collaboration with international research groups

Swedish PhD positions are formal employment contracts with excellent working conditions, strong labor protections, and a supportive research culture.

Application Instructions

Your application should include the following documents (check the official Chalmers vacancy page for the exact list and format):

  1. Cover letter describing:

    • Your motivation for applying for the position

    • Your research interests in automotive cybersecurity and how they align with the MAGIC project

    • The earliest possible starting date

    • A brief explanation of how your background, skills, and experience match the requirements

  2. Curriculum vitae (CV) with complete publication list (if applicable)

  3. Copies of degrees and transcripts of records, including grades (with translations into English or Swedish if the original documents are in another language)

  4. Master's thesis (or a draft, if not yet completed) and/or other self-produced technical or scientific writing that demonstrates your research and analytical abilities

  5. Contact information for two references (names, email addresses, and telephone numbers). Letters of recommendation may also be included.

  6. Portfolio of relevant work (optional but recommended): code repositories, security tools, CTF achievements, or other materials demonstrating your technical skills


Starting date: By agreement (typically autumn 2026 or early 2027)

Placement: Gothenburg, Sweden

Scope of employment: 100% (full-time)

About Chalmers University of Technology

Chalmers University of Technology, founded in 1829, is one of Sweden's leading technical universities and a major center for engineering research and education. Chalmers is particularly renowned for its strong industry collaborations, interdisciplinary research, and commitment to sustainable development.

The Department of Computer Science and Engineering at Chalmers is a hub for cutting-edge research in cybersecurity, software engineering, data science, and artificial intelligence, with close ties to automotive, aerospace, telecommunications, and cybersecurity industries.

Gothenburg is Sweden's second-largest city, known for its vibrant student life, rich cultural scene, coastal location, and strong innovation ecosystem. It is home to major automotive companies including Volvo Cars and Volvo Group, making it an ideal location for automotive cybersecurity research.

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